THE GROWTH OF RUSSIA
DIAGRAM SHOWING SUCCESSIVE ADVANCES OF RUSSIA TOWARD INDIA
tween Russia and the United States. There were only 45,000,000
when, during the reign of Alexander I, Napoleon the Great began his
march to Moscow. There were 68,000,000 when, during the Crimean
war, Nicholas I withstood the combined strength of Sardinia, Turkey,
Great Britain, and France. There are 130,000,000 today. According
to the natural law of increase, there will be 250,000,000 during the life
time of many who read these words. Doubtless before that not-far
distant period arrives the map of the world will show many changes.
States now existing will disappear and new states may be born and
write their names upon the chart. In Russia, indissoluble on her
plain and virile in her strength, there is no symptom of decay. While
thrones topple and old names vanish, Russia remains. The perpetuity
of the American Republic is not more sure.
Russia has been preparing for a thousand years and is still prepar
ing for her destiny. The present in all its magnificence of endeavor